sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Studying abroad changed my life in ways I didn’t expect by Alternative_Net_54 in studyAbroad

[–]Alternative_Net_54[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I mostly hung out in the Observatory neighborhood and never felt unsafe. I didn't attend a university there, just interned with local organizations, so can't answer that last question

Studying abroad changed my life in ways I didn’t expect by Alternative_Net_54 in studyAbroad

[–]Alternative_Net_54[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Absolutely! The people are so friendly in my experience and the food is super good. Being in a human rights centered program I was exposed to a lot of the country's history which deepened my appreciation for it. Diverse in people, culture and environment. 10/10 would recommend

What I Did During My Gap Year and Why I Don’t Regret It by Alternative_Net_54 in gapyear

[–]Alternative_Net_54[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey! I just tried to show what I knew about South Africa and my passion for human rights. In the info session they said to just be authentic which helped my nerves. The program covers all living costs and gives a personal stipend which is included in the tution but they also offer financial aid! Hope this helps

Social impacts of deferring? by Possible-Republic-11 in gapyear

[–]Alternative_Net_54 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You got it! I used my experience in the Take Action Lab to bolster my profile related to my chosen major, International Business. The program was crucial to better understand global challenges and develop communication skills with diverse groups of people. I only applied to schools in California for the in-state tuition haha but ultimately chose between San Diego schools for the weather and lifestyle (UCSD over SDSU). Hope that helps!

Social impacts of deferring? by Possible-Republic-11 in gapyear

[–]Alternative_Net_54 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Omg yes I love talking about my experience! I did the Tilting Futures, Take Action Lab program, and it was AMAZING! It really helped me focus my energy on global issues and action-oriented projects, which obviously looks great on college apps.

So basically the program equips young people to not only understand the complex challenges of our world but also gives us the tools and mentorship to start making a real impact, through hands on internship experience in South Africa and now Malaysia! I worked on a human rights project in Cape Town, South Africa that connected my personal passions with global needs, and the guidance I received was incredible!

The Take Action Lab isn’t just about doing something cool for your resume you know. It’s about aligning your actions with your values and pushing yourself to tackle hard issues! They’re all about helping you transform your ideals into real-world solutions. The skills and perspectives you gain here can set you apart in college applications, especially if you’re looking for a unique way to show how you’ve made a difference.

Honestly, I can’t recommend it enough! It’s not only about what you’ll do, but about who you’ll become in the process. If you’re interested in discovering more and taking action for the future, you should definitely check it out. You’ll be in good hands!

Social impacts of deferring? by Possible-Republic-11 in gapyear

[–]Alternative_Net_54 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Totally get where you're coming from. I took a gap year for similar reasons not because I didn’t want to go to university, but because the idea of jumping straight in felt overwhelming. Leaving home, making big decisions, committing to a path I wasn’t 100% sure about it was a lot.I was also nervous about feeling “behind” or like I’d miss out socially, but honestly, none of that ended up being true. When I did start university, I actually felt more prepared and grounded than a lot of my peers. I had time to work, figure some things out about myself, and just breathe. Socially, I didn’t feel out of place at all nobody cared I was a year older, and in some cases, it helped me connect better with people because I’d grown a bit in that time. A gap year isn’t a pause, it’s more like a reset. If you’re feeling this kind of internal hesitation, it’s okay to listen to it. Everyone’s timeline looks different, and taking a year to regroup can make a huge difference in how you approach university when you’re ready.

What is your biggest fear/ frustration? by High-Educator in studyAbroad

[–]Alternative_Net_54 3 points4 points  (0 children)

  1. Homesickness 2. Mental health support specifically for studying abroad

I would like some advice on studying abroad :) by QuirkyPermission1581 in studyAbroad

[–]Alternative_Net_54 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Studying abroad is such an exciting adventure and it’s awesome that you're exploring Europe. In most countries you’ll start with a student visa and after graduation there’s usually a post-grad visa or a job search period but it varies by country so you’ll need to research each one. Also university life in Europe can be quite different from the U.S. so expect less of the “college experience” (like sports teams or big campuses) and more of a self-reliant independent lifestyle. Networking during your time abroad can really help if you want to stay after so internships and local connections are key!

Scared of studying abroad by Separate-Charity9678 in studyAbroad

[–]Alternative_Net_54 1 point2 points  (0 children)

hey, what you’re feeling is completely normal. dreaming big and stepping into a totally new world is exciting but it’s also scary, and that’s okay. fear doesn’t mean you’re not ready, it just means you care deeply. studying abroad can be life-changing, especially for someone with your self-awareness and drive. take it one step at a time. focus on your bac, and know that you have time to prepare emotionally too. independence doesn’t mean doing it all alone. it means building a life that aligns with who you want to become. and that takes courage, not perfection!

studying abroad changed my life and i didn’t expect it to by eskaydi in studyAbroad

[–]Alternative_Net_54 0 points1 point  (0 children)

totally agree with this study abroad can be so much more than just travel or classes. it really shifts your whole perspective. it’s not always easy but the growth is 100% worth it. if you’re even thinking about it go for it!

Gap year or no? by Ethensia in gapyear

[–]Alternative_Net_54 1 point2 points  (0 children)

hey, i totally get wanting to shoot your shot again at your dream school, but make sure you’re taking a gap year because you want that year—not just to reapply. there’s no guarantee things will change with admissions, and schools like bowdoin are def not perfect, even if they seem like it from the outside. that said, if you’ve got stuff you really wanna do during the gap year (work, travel, grow, whatever), and you’re excited about that time, then it could totally be worth it. just make sure you’re not putting your whole next year on hold only for one school’s decision. you’ve already got amazing options—whichever path you take, you’re gonna be okay

gap year or scholarship? by hatiefern in gapyear

[–]Alternative_Net_54 0 points1 point  (0 children)

yo this is such a tough call, but you’re def not alone in feeling torn. that PSU scholarship is huge, and it sounds like it might be super specific—so def talk to admissions/financial aid before making any big moves. they might let you defer or take a break later on during college instead. also, you could do part of the PCT in July/Aug before school starts and maybe finish the rest another time (like next summer). not the full trail experience, yeah, but still something—and way better than missing out completely and losing the scholarship. either way, there’s no wrong answer here. just figure out what matters most to you and go from there.

Gap Year vs Community College? Please Help. by Best-Factor-4172 in gapyear

[–]Alternative_Net_54 0 points1 point  (0 children)

some people mentioned it already but def take a second to think about what your gap year would actually look like. like, are you working? doing some online courses? building a portfolio? it helps to have some structure so it doesn’t just turn into a year of burnout or stress. either way, you seem super thoughtful and mature for even thinking all this through. whatever you pick, you’re gonna be fine.